The Making of a Presidential Debate

Republican presidential candidates turn their attention to foreign policy and national security tonight at a debate hosted by The Heritage Foundation and American Enterprise Institute. It airs on CNN at 8 p.m. ET.

Over the past few days, workers transformed an empty auditorium at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., into a full-scale television set. As the final preparations were made, Heritage got a behind-the-scenes look at how it all came together.

This debate marks a rare opportunity for the candidates to gather in the nation’s capital; Constitution Hall is just steps from the White House. And two think tanks that never before hosted a debate will take center stage by asking the questions of eight candidates.

Which candidate will best protect our nation and amplify American leadership, and how will they do it?